Vitamin D check

What is vitamin D?

Vitamin D is actually a hormone that your body can produce itself using sunlight. In order for our body to be able to store enough vitamin D even in the winter months, it needs very short, unprotected stays in the sun. It is sufficient to expose your face, hands and arms to the sun two to three times a week between March and October. Light skin types only need twelve minutes — this corresponds to half the time after which, according to the recommendation of the Federal Office for Radiation Protection, sunburn occurs due to adequate sun protection should always avoid.

What are the functions of vitamin D in the body?

Vitamin D is active in almost all cells in our body and influences cell metabolism. Vitamin D is crucial for building and maintaining bones throughout life and ensures that calcium from food can be easily absorbed and incorporated into your bones. Muscles also benefit, as they support your muscle performance and improve coordination.

Some studies have provided evidence that vitamin D may be important for cardiovascular health, could reduce the risk of diabetes and some types of cancer, and strengthen the immune system. However, these effects could not be proven in other studies.

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How do I notice a vitamin D deficiency or an overdose?

In the case of mild deficiency, the symptoms are very unspecific and only a very severe vitamin D deficiency causes typical symptoms such as muscle weakness and bone pain. Older people in particular are at risk of becoming deficient, as vitamin D production decreases over the years.

Do you only travel outside very rarely, do you usually completely cover your body or are you dark-skinned? The risk of developing a deficiency is then increased. In general, there is a seasonal problem, because from November to February, there is too little sunlight in northern Europe to produce enough vitamin D.

An overdose is only possible due to an excessive intake of vitamin D supplements, which promotes the formation of kidney stones or kidney calcification.

Have AVI determine vitamin D levels

If you would like to find out more about vitamin D, simply make an appointment at one of our avi practices and talk to our team of doctors. Here you can decide together whether a vitamin D determination makes sense for you.
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Good to know: Currently, laboratory testing is only covered by statutory health insurance for specific pre-existing conditions.